I'm very late to the ballgame here, but glad to be watching this video. Steve, your work is fantastic...just as it is everytime I tune in to your channel. I don't know if anybody mentioned the flower name, but just in case they didn't allow me to squash it. Not very common, but seen in south Florida *my kneck of the woods* more often than other states I've visited...it's practically a wildflower here. It is a 'Morning Glory' called a - Cardinal Morning Glory. I just want to second your opinion on A.D.'s fine, fine quality in their Aquarelle Colored Pencils. They are awesome. Oh, and thank you for these TIPS! Honestly, the dilution technique, and the other fine tricks you've displayed concerning water colored markers...I thank you. I had no clue and I walk away that much more excited to try them out for myself. Thanks so much, James.
This is the first chance I've had to view your channel on my computer rather than my TV, so it's my first comment. You probably get tired of hearing this, but I think you're terrific -- a wonderful artist, a great teacher, an excellent "concept organizer." Thanks for the inspiration, education, and just plain fun. I'm particularly appreciative of your reviews and demos.
Yeah, amazing how far a little acknowledgement goes. I'm glad to help fuel your creativity (you've certainly fueled mine). Thank you for your acknowledgement of my acknowledgement. :-)
I finally got a set of markers to try these techniques with. Your guidelines were a tremendous help. I also found that these markers work really well as multimedia alongside the Pitt Artist Pens ink markers. Thanks for all the guidelines and tips!
These markers are absolutely droolworthy! The colors look fantastic and the brand is, well, assumedly what you'd expect. My only gripe with watercolor markers is that if you have any staining colors like the phthalo green or alizarin crimson, if you don't apply water quickly, the marker trail remnant can be very noticeable or unwanted. Even with the cheaper Arteza markers, the same was true. Still, the effects you're achieving here are stellar! That finished burst at the top is just excellent and why I love watching you work. These markers are obviously just an extension of your fluency, reinforcing why you are, indeed, the mind. of. watercolor! Thank you, Steve! Great stuff, as always! :)
Thank you buddy! I so appreciate your vote of confidence as always. I found these markers to loosen and move quite well. Probably because they are pigmented. Though I think they do stain more if left longer before wetting. I don't know. Cheaper dye-based watercolor markers like the Arteza or Tombow tend to stain a little more than the pigmented ones I think but as you pointed out the particular color probably matters.
That 11:55 blending on dry paper came out nicely, Ill experiment a lot mire with that trick. I use masking tape surface as palette. Excellent tutorial and demonstration.
The marker dilution technique is amazing, I have trouble moving watercolour pen marks from the paper once they’re down, they don’t want to budge when I use water so that’s really useful. I see these did move quite a lot from where the pthalo green was put on the paper, though. I’ve been using the zig brush pens and they’re great otherwise, unless it’s just me of course. This is really pretty, I love the leaves and the subtle grey on the wood.
Thank you for opening up another possibility for the water color markers-the paper does make a difference! Glad to see someone else using the Caran d'ache palette too...i really like mine, despite its tendency to stain. 🧡
I bought the 30 set of these. They are due to arrive Monday. Im watching all the reviews I can. You show some techniques (and probs with some) thai will be helpful. Thanks!
Thank you so much for showing me how to use the watercolor marker. I bought a set of 60 Faber-Castell Pitt Pens brush and a set of cheap watercolor brush pens a while back. Except for rare occasions I took them to embellish my almost finished paintings, they sat in my shelves collecting dust. I will try your techniques and put them in better use :)
@@mindofwatercolor Wow! I did not pay attention to the box cover. You are right - they are loaded with Indian Ink (but lightfast) and water-proof. Thank you very much for pointing it out. I need to get the Durer watercolor markers!
Hey Steve :-D Beautifully painted with the new Albrecht Durer Watercolor Markers. I had a go with mine last evening and had a total blast! I just loved using them, but as always is the case with your tutorials, I learned some new ways of working with them. Thanks again for sharing with us and God bless.
Steve, this was a wonderful lesson in how to simplify a reference photo. Sometimes, I get lost in the details, so I really learned a lot from this one. Also, I loved how you made the post pop out with the background colors. Thanks, as usual for such an important lesson to your faithful student in Savannah!
I'm a fairly new subscriber and have been binge watching your past videos. You are a fantastic teacher. Thanks for introducing us to new materials and techniques.
Glad you are doing this, I have been using these markers and think they are great. I am looking at it more as something to assist my stiffening hands and it gives me a better edge than i can make in small areas with just a brush. It’s also great that Blick has open stock. I know it doesn’t make a difference but the leaves are the same as our morning glories but the flowers are not the blue or purple. Oh well just a thought and they are perfect for this painting. The dot method is something I need thanks!! Where I think these beat the earlier Windsor and Newton markers is the blending on the paper with water and not leaving the tale tale line.
This is a very helpful comment. Until you said this, Essie, I couldn't see any advantage in these at all. Interesting about the markers helping to make a straighter edge.
Hi! I can't believe how brave you were about dipping them into water 😮 I'm always too scared to do that with mine! I'm going to have to be braver... Good to know they have a bullet and brush tip, I might get a couple of these... Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
I love fences. There are a lot of fences in between you and your best possible artworks. In general my philosophy to go over the hurdles is simple, throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow. Especially when you're dealing with the highest fence of them all: 'fear'. Great video.
gosh I never would have thought you could get something so soft and detailed from the watercolour markers. I suppose I am used to seeing them used like alcohol markers - just direct on the page - which is such a different effect.
Thank you so much, Steve, I loved this video, the way you simplify on the picture, the way you add a background ....what a technique this last one was ! I loved the dots thing, it’s a big “plus” when you want to add a color subtlety. I have the W& N watercolor markers but never did much so I will try your tips (before they dry out !).
Gorgeous gorgeous painting there, Steve! I'm a sucker for wildflowers and you captured their wild-at-heart look perfectly! Thank you for being so wonderful and sharing the beauty of your incredible artwork with us. The world so needs you! ×
Thank you for an amazing tutorial on how to use the markers, you make it look so effortless. I am new to your page and purchased the markers after watching the video. Now I’m hoping to get the art journal you are using if it’s in stock. I love your technique, it reminds me of my father’s art who has long since passed away. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Wow! Steve, that was heart stopping. I didn't realize I was holding my breath when I saw that phthalo green and topped with the red - whew,! But when the water hit it, I thought "Brilliant!" I'm so happy that I watch your channel. You're magnificent! I learn so much from you. Your interpretation of the weathered fence post with honeysuckle is beautiful. I love weathered wood and I definitely want to attempt a similar painting one day. Those Faber-Castell Watercolor Markers look fabulous. Definitely want to but them. Thanks so much for all your hard labor put into your videos. I appreciate it so very much. I love that you present Scripture at the end of you videos. 🕊
All of the professional lines from faber castell match, so polychromos pencils, albrecht durer watercolor pencils, pitt pastel pencils, polychromos pastel sticks, and these albrecht durer markers all come from the matching range. This is why I absolutely love the faber castell professional art supplies :) these look like a fantastic addition to the range :) gorgeous image :)
Thank you Steve! I love the Albrecht Durer line of pencils and these looks amazing. I really didn’t love the Winsor Newton markers. The blendability with these is great. The techniques you’ve shared are so helpful too. Especially the dilusion. Thank you!
Wonderful! I have a set of watercolor markers that have been collecting dust. I think I may need to dust them off. Thank you for the inspiration and education!
Just watched this and am so wanting to get the markers. I have the AD watercolor pencils and the reg FC colored pencils. Would you please do a little tutorial using the markers along with the watercolor pencils? I enjoy your channel so much and find you an amazing teacher. Thank you.
I always enjoy your videos; you have a very pleasing style and cover interesting topics. I would like to see you do a video with pros & cons of watercolors vs. alcohol markers, both for students and pros. Besides myself, I'm supplying several children and teens with art supplies in our home. Thanks! --your other brother Steve
Interesting idea. Unfortunately I don't use alcohol markers at all. I can tell you though that the approach is very different. You might check out a RU-vid channel where he frequently uses both. ru-vid.comfeatured
Whoa, you've got some nerve........making me hold my breath like that! 😂 LOL I was loving this so much, quite entranced with the process, and then you go in with that emerald green marker! 😱........... I should have known you could pull it off in the end! Lovely!
Love the demo and tips on using watercolor marker. I found the possibilities exciting, however, at this time with everything else going on the purchase of the wc markers are not in the budget. So will see about adapting using watercolor pan set. Great job! Take Care!
That turned out beautifully. I’ve never liked markers, but was gifted a number of W&N pigment markers that I’ve never opened. I may try your methods. I have Fabriano WC paper.
Wow, I think it's prettier than the reference photo. I have been dreaming of having the Albrecht Durer Watercolor pencils. I'm not a huge fan of using markers, but these really look to be a very nice set. And the way you used them piqued my interest. TYFS
@@joycebills1363 You replied to my comment. So he may not read your comment. Because it looks like you were replying to me. I've done the same thing. Just wanted to let you know.
Lovely work Steve as always. From a less experienced person, a view for this type of picture from “others” would say the post is not grounded and appears floating. I understand this is the feature and the focus of the work. Composition theory would say it is top heavy in the colour and feel. How would a similar subject matter be presented for a university submission piece or to an art expert to compensate these theories for example? Just trying to learn what is important and what to leave out for future consideration of subject matter. With thanks and prayers for your opinions and learnings. Most grateful.
Love it Steve! My markers will be arriving in a couple of days from Cheap Joes. I love that brush for detail and trying to decide if I really it. Thank you for another great video!
I love the subject - an old fencepost wrapped with an invasive trumpet vine. There is a saying, "Just say no to trumpet vine as it's for life." I like how you simplified your photo! I learned that I have no interest in markers, at this time, as well. Thanks for demonstrating the markers and offering an honest review with the pros and cons.
As always, the seeming ease with which you produce these delightful vignettes and paintings, delights me. I was unaware of the existence of watercolour markers, but l wonder how expensive they are relative to the usual sources of colour, and are they re-fillable? Otherwise, they seem like yet another source of plastic waste cluttering our planet, and l question the costs over the benefits. Thank you.
I would love to know your opinion on the Ecoline watercolor brush pens are. I have a few, but I'd like to see how they compare to the other brands you have tried. Love your videos. Keep up the great work!!
Having tried this a few times now, I’ve found that the dilution technique works really well with the lighter colours (Ultramarine, Leaf Green, lighter greys, etc) I wasn’t able to get that technique to work with the stronger shades (Indian Red, Dark Sepia). There was no dilution of the tip colour with those darker shades. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this, but any commentary would be welcome.
That water soaking technique was very clever. It's true that it's a struggle when you have such vibrant color markers. I use the Tombows, and there are tons of possible techniques, but never thought of that one you used. Super! Thanks!
Does anyone else see at 0:52 your rag looks like the beginning stages of a Bulldog painting? I thought, how cool he's painting a Bulldog...no, wait, ohhhh, it's his rag! I have Bulldogs so it's definitely a shape I zero in on. Ok, now back to watching the video.
Fabriano 300lb love it cold pressed. Fabriano 140 I think hot press white is garbage. Fabriano 140 lb hot press ultra white is amazing because it buckles very little and the surface isn’t slick.
I’m interested to hear you talk about references. You often seem to compose your work based loosely on references, or based on more than one reference. What is your opinion on painting based entirely on one reference, say a photo taken on a holiday or a walk in town?
One reference that works entirely is often just difficult to find and rarely is it suitable for me artistically. You can do it of course but composing a scene loosely based on reference, even several, is a good skill to develop. A rule of thumb is never be a slave to your reference. I realize this takes a little experience but well worth trying.
Thank you for teaching us. May you advise the link to buy this Fabriano sketch book and its size. Paper GSM... hot pressed... is moleskine similar? Have a lovely day. I just shared this with my children because I want them to see that this takes the meh out of learning to paint and draw. Cheers.
Since I have seen a few You Tubers (i.e. MD Campbell etc) beginning to talk about preparing for Inktober so I thought I would ask if you plan to participate in Inktober either daily or once a week or other?
Steve, for the life of me I can’t understand the benefit of these markers...why not just use good ‘old watercolor paints? I appreciate seeing what you’ve done and how you’ve done it (masterfully, as always😊) but honestly, it just feels like the markers add a level of unnecessary complication...what am I missing?
For many you are correct. They simply offer a different medium and approach. Some artists actually like working with markers. I see their greatest benefit as a mixed media tool. I'm pushing their use here so as to become more familiar with them. I think line and wash with pen and ink, for me will be their most likely use.
